In May, Traci began training for a three-day 300-mile annual charity ride in late June called ChefsCycle, the proceeds of which benefit No Kid Hungry. Each year, nearly 200 chefs and restaurant industry professionals ride from Carmel to Santa Barbara to help put an end to childhood hunger. This will be Traci's first.

"People who ride bikes tell me I'm crazy, but chefs are determined people, accustomed to long hours in discomfort, " Traci says. "I am in reasonable shape and have been adding 20 hours of weekly training to my already pretty tough work week."

Luckily, "I am enjoying the riding."

To raise money for her team -- consisting of staff members from her restaurant The Commissary -- Traci has been hosting charity dinners and cocktail hours, plus offering her services in various auctions. With every dollar possibly connecting a child to as many as 10 meals, Traci is aiming to raise at least $22,500.